The 10 Best UK Holiday Destinations for 2025
Trying to find the perfect place to spend your next big staycation? If so, then you’ve come to the...
by Steph Boal / Travel Tips
Trying to find the best places in the UK for a weekend away? We’ve carried out some research to understand exactly where Brits want to go for a short breaks in 2025.
Brits love a short break; we found that those surveyed, on average, had two overnight UK trips booked over the next 12 months, while a typical year sees them go on three staycations. The top reasons for taking a short break were relaxation (58%), escape from the routine of daily life (44%), and sightseeing (42%).
To celebrate the UK’s love of short breaks and to showcase just how much the UK has to offer, we’re offering one lucky winner the chance to become our Short Break Tester. This unbeatable experience offers you the chance to win four short breaks (one in each season) in the locations that came out on top in our research. The winner will also receive a Sykes voucher, so they can plan their own adventures – a total prize package worth over £7000!
Read on to discover the best places for a UK short break, as well as how to become our Short Break Tester…
Kicking off our list of the best places for a short break in the UK is the magical city of York in North Yorkshire. 23% of the people we surveyed said they’d most like to visit York on their next short break, and we aren’t surprised!
Dating back to 71AD, York has a wealth of history to explore, perfect for the 45% of people surveyed who love exploring historic sites on their UK short breaks. Lose yourself in the past with a visit to the breathtaking York Minster, or roam around the JORVIK Viking Centre, where you can glimpse into Viking life in the city.
Continue your exploration of the past by strolling down the whimsical Shambles. Lined with historic, overhanging buildings, this landmark is also home to a whole host of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. After a walk down this magical street, it’s easy to see how it was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
The city’s best attractions all lie within its city walls, making it one of the best places for a short break in the UK, as you’ve got enough time to tick off all of the highlights! The city is also perfectly placed to explore some of North Yorkshire’s other gems, including one of the most beautiful places in the UK, Robin Hood’s Bay.
Recognised as one of the best city breaks in the UK, it’s unsurprising that Edinburgh was voted the second-best place for a short break in the UK! As a thriving city and the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has plenty to see in 48 hours.
Begin your exploration of the city on the iconic Royal Mile, which is home to countless must-see attractions. Begin at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which has historic ties to Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary, Queen of Scots. Today it is even used by King Charles when in Scotland. Enjoy a tour of the palace, with highlights like the State Apartments and Holyrood Abbey.
Along the mile, you can also find the Museum of Edinburgh, The Edinburgh Dungeon, the Museum of Childhood and the iconic Camera Obscura, housing some mind-bending illusions. You’ll then reach the awe-inspiring Edinburgh Castle, which is open daily from 9:30am. Wander through The Great Hall, get a glimpse at the royal apartments and marvel at replicas of embroideries sewn by Mary, Queen of Scots during her exile.
It’s not all history; take a break with a walk up to the top of Calton Hill, where you can soak in panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline. Keen ramblers will also want to experience Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that towers over the city. There are plenty of other exciting things to do during a short break in Edinburgh; you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
Next in our guide to the best places to visit for a weekend break in the UK is Bath, a historic city renowned for its Roman Baths and the only city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A must-visit during a short break in Bath is the Roman Baths! Recognised as a winter bucket list attraction and some of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, there are endless things to see during a trip here. You can visit the countless galleries dotted throughout the city, including the Victoria Art Gallery, No.1 Royal Crescent and The Holburne Museum, which you might recognise as a Bridgerton filming location.
Literary fans will also be in their element in Bath, thanks to the Jane Austen Centre, offering visitors the opportunity to step back in time to the Georgian era, with dress up exhibitions, photo opportunities and waxworks. You can even treat yourself to a regency afternoon tea! If you’re looking for something different to do, why not try to escape from one of the escape rooms in Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, a nod to the novel written here?
The seamless blend of history and nature is one of the reasons Bath is one of the best places for a weekend break in the UK. After exploring the past, enjoy a peaceful roam around Sydney Gardens, along the idyllic Kennet and Avon Canal or through Prior Park, home to one of only four of these types of iconic Palladian bridges worldwide.
Perhaps best-known for being home to one of the oldest and most renowned universities in the world, Oxford is a charming city home to countless attractions; no wonder Brits voted it one of the best weekend breaks in the UK.
During your stay, you can visit several of the colleges that make up Oxford University by joining a walking tour that covers some iconic Harry Potter filming locations, including the Bodleian Library and New College Cloisters. You can even explore Christ Church College, which was Lewis Carroll’s inspiration for Alice in Wonderland.
Why not see the city from a different perspective by taking to the river for a spot of punting or by joining an Oxford river cruise which passes the Folly Bridge and Christ Church College and Meadows? You can even enjoy a spot of afternoon tea or drinks on board!
Other must-visit attractions that make Oxford one of the best places for a short break include the Ashmolean Museum, home to half a million years of art, history, and archaeology; the History of Science Museum; and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Arguably the most remote location on our list of the best short breaks in the UK, the Isle of Skye’s inclusion was secured by its immeasurable beauty.
The Island is home to some of the best walks in the UK, making it a haven for keen ramblers. These include the walk to the famous Fairy Pools amidst the Black Cullin Range; Old Man Storr, which is ideal for those looking to see the northern lights in Scotland; and Coral Beach in Claigan, one of the best beaches in Scotland.
The abundance of history and heritage woven across the island is another reason the Isle of Skye is one of the best places for a short break in the UK. Explore some of the best castles in Scotland, including Dunvegan Castle, a breathtaking castle perched on the shores of Loch Dunvegan. Here, you can delight in history before hopping on a boat trip to see the nearby seal colony.
No short break to the Isle of Skye would be complete without a spot of whisky tasting at Talisker Distillery, one of the best distilleries in Scotland, boasting a view of the Cullins. Visiting Portree is also a must during a weekend trip to Skye; its location makes discovering the whole island during a short break easy!
We’re taking a trip to Brighton on the south coast, the next entry on our list of the best short break destinations in the UK.
Overlooking the English Channel, this vibrant city combines a seaside getaway with a city break, perfect for those looking for the UK’s best short break and the 52% of Brits who believe they can get that ‘holiday feeling’ even on a short break in the UK.
Spend part of your weekend on the rocky shores of Brighton Beach, which offers views across the sea, or explore Brighton Palace Pier, which, alongside its Victorian heritage, boasts rides like Galaxia, Air Race and Turbo Coaster. You’ll also find plenty of places to eat, including Palm Court Restaurant and an arcade, which is perfect for a rainy day by the sea.
Brighton’s history is one of the reasons Brits consider it one of the best places for a UK short break. Take a step back in time with a visit to the Royal Pavilion, where you can soak in the architecture and over 200 years of history.
If, like the 43% of Brits we surveyed, you’d rather enjoy a spot of shopping on your next weekend getaway, you’re in luck. Explore The Lanes, home to exciting shops, jewellers, winding alleyways and countless eateries such as Lost in the Lanes. Parts of this labyrinth even date back to the 16th century!
Taking the 7th spot on our list of the best weekend breaks in the UK, as voted for by you, the Great British public, is Windermere in Cumbria. Recognised as one of the most beautiful places in the UK, we’re not surprised it was chosen.
Perched in the heart of the Lake District National Park, this wonderous lake town is perhaps best known for being home to Windermere, the most famous of the Lake District’s lakes. Head out on the water for an exciting array of activities, including wild swimming, kayaking, wake surfing, kneeboarding, and paddleboarding.
If you’re looking to take in the beautiful views of the Lake District, why not hire a boat or hop on one of the lake cruises to appreciate the town’s beauty from the water?
As well as benefiting from access to the lake, Windermere is one of the best places for a short break because of its proximity to countless attractions. Take the family for a fun-filled day at The World of Beatrix Potter or the National Trust’s Hilltop, once the home of Beatrix Potter.
Keen walkers will be in their element as there are countless Lake District mountains and fells to explore, including Helvellyn and Helm Crag. You can also roam other idyllic lake towns and villages like Ambleside, Kendal and Rydal, which was voted the best place for a short break in autumn. With all this to do, we agree that Windermere is one of the best places for a short break in the UK.
The next destination that Brits said they’d most like to visit on a short break in the UK is Whitby, a town nestled on the coast of North York Moors National Park. Whitby is famous for its literary connections to Dracula and the iconic Whitby Goth Weekend, so we’re not surprised that it made the list.
Enjoy a stroll through Whitby’s cobbled streets and past markets filled with handmade gifts, jewellery, clothing and antiques to find the beginning of the famous 199 steps. Tackle this task for breathtaking views across Whitby and its coast and to reach St Mary’s Church and Whitby Abbey, which looms eerily over the town.
Take the steep donkey track back down to the heart of town and head back to the harbour. Throughout the year, you can hop on whale-watching cruises and spot Minke Whales in the North Sea. We’d recommend wrapping up warm and booking this in advance, as it can fill up quickly.
No trip to Whitby would be complete without indulging in fish and chips. You aren’t short of choice with over 50 fish and chip shops. Our favourites include Trenchers, Royal Fisheries and, of course, Magpie Café, whose fish and chips have been commended by food critics like Rick Stein.
If you’re looking for one of the best UK short breaks with exciting things to do by the sea, then Whitby is the perfect place to visit!
If your idea of a great UK break includes a punt along the River Cam, a wealth of history and endless culture, then perhaps a weekend break in Cambridge is on the cards.
Begin your break with a punt on the River Cam, which flows through the city; there’s no better way to take in the sights! Keep your eyes peeled for The Wren Library and the Bridge of Sighs. Be sure to hire a boat with an expert guide who can share some of the city’s best-kept secrets, offering a unique experience.
After taking in the sights from the water, enjoy a spot of lunch at one of the many delicious cafès and restaurants lining Regent Street or Kings Parade. You’re then in the perfect place to enjoy a tour of one of Cambridge University’s 31 colleges. Perhaps you’re looking to see as many as possible? We’d suggest doing the college tour, a circular route beginning at the Round Church, which covers 12 colleges, including Trinity College, Kings College and Gonville and Caius (Keys).
There are plenty of green spaces to explore in Cambridge, including The Backs, aptly named after the colleges that back onto this space. Other’s include Parker’s Piece and Midsummer Common.
On your last day, squeeze in a visit to one of Cambridge’s many museums, such as the Fitzwilliam Museum, where Egyptian relics are on display, the Museum of Zoology, the Scott Polar Research Institute and even Oliver Cromwell’s House. It is this blend of nature and history that makes Cambridge one of the best places for a UK short break.
Bournemouth, a beautiful town on Dorset‘s idyllic coast, rounds off our list of the best places to take a short break in the UK. This makes sense, given that 45% of Brits enjoy visiting the beach during their short break, with 20% saying that seeing the seaside is their favourite thing!
If you feel the same, then you’re in luck, as Bournemouth boasts seven miles of golden sand split into five fantastic, award-winning beaches: Bournemouth Central Beaches, Alum Chine Beach, Durley Chine Beach, Boscombe Beach and Southbourne Beach all offer heaps of seaside fun.
While away hours on the golden sand, enjoy a refreshing paddle in the sea or head to Bournemouth Pier for fun-filled attractions like indoor climbing and ziplining. The pier even hosts events with everything from music to dining experiences; so be sure to check what’s on during your short break.
Another reason why Bournemouth is one of the best weekend breaks in the UK is its proximity to nearby attractions, including Brownsea Island, a wildlife haven home famous for its red squirrels, Poole and the beginning of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast at Old Harry Rocks near Swanage.
If this list of UK weekend break ideas has inspired you to explore more of the UK, then you’re in luck, as we’re running a jaw-dropping competition offering the chance to do just that!
Entrants need to submit a 200-word letter on the form below, detailing why they should be chosen as the competition winner before midnight on 17th February 2025, to be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize!
Terms and Conditions Apply.
If our list of the best short break destinations in the UK has inspired you, browse our full collection of short breaks in the UK! If you’re looking for help planning, be sure to check out our UK Travel Guide.
by Steph Boal / Travel Tips
Hi, I'm Steph and I joined the Sykes team in 2022. I grew up in the North East of England so unsurprisingly I love exploring the w...
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